Whipping agent for food products and use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a whipping agent comprising protein and emulsifier for aerated food products, such as for sorbet and sherbet applications. The present invention also relates to whipped food products such as sorbets and sherbets comprising this whipping agent and a method for making the same. The present invention also relates to complexes between a protein and an emulsifier, use thereof and a method for producing the complexes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a combination of a protein and anemulsifier and the use of this combination in a whipping agent foraerated food products, such as sherbet, sorbet, ice cream, mousse, milkshakes, confectionery, etc. The present invention also relates tocomplexes between a protein and an emulsifier, use thereof and a methodfor producing the complexes.

The present invention also relates to whipped food products comprisingthis whipping agent, and a method for making the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today much of the novelty and distinction between different types offood come from aeration of the food, creating new and desired textures.Also problems with obesity in western populations have increased theinterest in aeration of food to lower the energy density of such food.This again put strong requirements on these new types of aerated fooddevelopments in relation to whipping power and long term stability, suchas storage stability.

Considerable scientific work has been performed to improve stability ofaerated products/foams. Especially the use of surface active particlesof nanoscale has been very efficient in increasing foam stability, e.g.combinations of surface active particles and proteins have beeninvestigated by Murray et al (Food Hydrocolloids 25 (2011) 627-638).Boots et al has investigated the effect of protein stability onprotein/monoglyceride interactions (Chemistry and Physics of Lipids 117(2002) 75-81).

A major problem is still to obtain such surface active particles,fulfilling the demands of being food grade and of sufficient small size(preferably nanoscale). Creation of ionic emulsifier-protein interactionstructures has been described in patent US 20100047358A1. The structureis a protein supramolecular core, interacting with an ionic emulsifier,making a vehicle for bioactive substances.

Complexes between ionizable emulsifiers and ionizable polypeptidesand/or ionizable hydrocolloids for use as fat mimetics has beendescribed in patent application WO 93/21784.

Sorbet and sherbet are two categories of aerated frozen dessertproducts. Sorbets can be defined as water ice with a certain overrun,typically 20-100%.

Whereas sorbets normally do not contain fat and non-fat milk solids,sherbets traditionally have a certain amount of fat, typically 1-3%(w/w), and/or non-fat milk solids, typically 1-4% (w/w).

Preferences regarding the consistency and texture of sorbets varyconsiderably depending on the consumer group, legislation andapplication. The possibilities are many, ranging from very fresh,cold-eating and coarse air distribution to very creamy, warm-eatingtypes with comparatively small ice crystals and fine air distribution.

In order to obtain the desired characteristic in sorbets and sherbets,it is often necessary to incorporate a whipping agent. Whipping agentshave considerable influence on the air incorporation and distribution insorbets and sherbets, and provide stable foam and enable the desiredoverrun to be obtained.

Good air dispersion is very important for the consistency and creaminessof sorbet and sherbet products, a fine stable dispersion giving theimpression of a creamy sensation.

Brittleness is also largely controlled by whipping agents, whichtogether with the correct stabiliser dosage, impart smoothness to theend products.

The range of whipping agents in this area is continuously on theincrease and, today, a wide selection is available. Some of these agentsalso have a stabilising effect. Types of whipping agents that aretypically used in sorbets and sherbets are milk proteins, vegetableproteins, such as hydrolyzed pea and soya protein, gelatine, propyleneglycol alginate and derivatives of cellulose, such as methyl celluloseand hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

However, often these classic sorbet and sherbet whipping agents fail toprovide sufficient aeration, giving insufficient amount of airincorporation in the sorbet or sherbet product, which leads to thedesired overrun not being obtained. This very coarse air distributionand too low overrun sometimes give rise to products looking like Swisscheese—with big air bubbles—when drawn from the freezer. Some of theconsequences of insufficient overrun is, not only poor quality, but alsopoor economy for the producers as air is the cheapest ingredient insorbets and sherbets.

The presence of terpens, coming from added fruit product, such as juice,concentrates or puree or coming from flavourings added, can negativelyaffect the whipping capability of sorbet and sherbet mixes.

So there exists a need for an efficient whipping agent for whipped foodproducts such as sorbet and sherbet applications which can providewhipping even under difficult conditions, such as in the presence ofterpens.

There is a further need for developing whipping agents that are able tofacilitate aeration of different types of food and secure good foamstability.

Although protein, such as vegetable protein, and emulsifiers performpoorly when they are used separately as the only component in a whippingagent, it has surprisingly been found that when the protein and theemulsifier are used in combination they act as a very efficient whippingagent in whipped food products such as sorbet and sherbet applications.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide an efficientwhipping agent for food products such as frozen whipped food productsapplications, whipped food products such as sorbets and sherbets basedon this whipping agent and a method of making the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been found by the present inventors that a whipping agentcomprising emulsifier and protein such as vegetable protein providesimprovements in food products such as an excellent air distributionand/or overrun and/or smoother texture and/or better heat shockstability and/or being able to provide whipping in the presence ofterpens, especially in frozen whipped food products such as sorbets andsherbets.

Accordingly the invention relates to a whipping agent comprising anemulsifier and a protein, such as vegetable protein. In one aspect, thewhipping agent comprises an emulsifier and a protein capable of formingcomplexes. The invention further relates to the use of the hereindescribed whipping agent for making a whipped food product, such as afrozen food product for example sorbet or sherbet. In one aspect, theuse of the herein described whipping agent provides an improvement inair incorporation and distribution and/or overrun and/or smoothertexture and/or better heat shock stability and/or being able to providewhipping in the presence of terpens in a whipped food product, such assorbets and sherbets.

The invention also relates to a whipped food product, such as a frozenwhipped food product comprising a whipping agent, which whipping agentcomprises emulsifier and protein such as vegetable protein. In a furtheraspect, the whipped frozen food product is sorbet or sherbet.

The invention also relates to a method of improving air incorporationand distribution and/or overrun and/or smoother texture and/or betterheat shock stability and/or being able to provide whipping in thepresence of terpens in a whipped food product such as a whipped frozenfood product for example sorbet and sherbet by adding a whipping agent,which whipping agent as described herein comprises emulsifier andprotein, such as vegetable protein, and whipping the product.

The invention relates to a method of preparing a whipped food product byadding a whipping agent as described herein, and whipping the product.In a further aspect, the product is both whipped and frozen.

The invention also further relates to a method of preparing whipped foodproducts such as sorbet or sherbet comprising adding an emulsifier and aprotein, such as vegetable protein, and the further ingredients andwhipping said product, wherein the combination of emulsifier andprotein, such as vegetable protein produces a synergistic effect on theair incorporation and distribution and/or overrun and/or smooth textureand/or heat shock stability and/or being able to provide whipping in thepresence of terpens of the food product.

The invention also relates to a method for preparing complexes of anemulsifier and a protein comprising a step of heating a compositioncomprising the emulsifier and the protein to a temperature at or abovethe melting temperature of the emulsifier and/or at a temperaturewherein the emulsifier creates micelles or mesophasic structures,followed by a step of cooling the heated composition, optionally tobelow the melting temperature of the emulsifier and/or to a temperaturewhere the emulsifier is transformed into a crystalline or liquidcrystalline structure.

The invention also relates to a method for preparing a whipped foodproduct such as sorbet or sherbet by adding a whipping agent as definedherein, and whipping and optionally freezing the product, comprising astep of forming complexes between an emulsifier and a protein, andoptionally forming particles of the complexes.

The invention also relates to a complex of an emulsifier and a proteinsuch as formed by heating of a composition comprising the emulsifier andthe protein to a temperature at or above the melting temperature of theemulsifier and/or at a temperature wherein the emulsifier createsmicelles or mesophasic structures, followed by cooling of the mixture,optionally to below the melting temperature of the emulsifier and/or toa temperature where the emulsifier is transformed into a crystalline orliquid crystalline structure. The invention also relates to whippedproducts as defined herein comprising such complex.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows evaluation of sorbet mixes (recipe 1 and 3 from example 5)using light microscopy, polarised light microscopy and confocal laserscanning microscopy as further described in example 5.

FIG. 2 shows the zeta potential of 10% (w/w) rapeseed oil emulsions(o/w) produced from sorbet mixes from example 5, recipe 1, 2 and 3.

FIG. 3 shows foam volume stability and liquid fraction in the foam as afunction of freezing (F) and mechanical treatment (UT) of the sorbet mixfrom example 5 recipe 3, investigated by foaming the sorbet mix in aFoamScan instrument (Teclis) at 10 C.

FIG. 4 shows particle size (number distribution) of sorbet mix afterfreezing and subsequent Ultra Turrax treatment for recipe 1 (sorbet mixwith potato protein), 2 (sorbet mix with MDG) and 3 (sorbet mix with MDGand potato protein) of example 5.

DEFINITIONS

In the present context a “whipping agent” as described herein is amixture of substances with interfacial properties that due to theiradsorption dynamic and their presence at the gas-liquid interface willfacilitate the uptake and stabilisation of gas cells when the productthat contains the whipping agent is aerated.

In the present context the term “emulsifier” means one or more chemicaladditives that encourage the suspension of one liquid in another, as inthe mixture of oil and water in margarine, shortening, ice cream, andsalad dressing. In the present context, the emulsifier is different fromthe protein, such as vegetable protein. In one aspect, the emulsifier isas one or more chemical additives of non-protein origin.

In the present context, ‘potato protein’ refers to potato protein whichhas retained most of its intrinsic functional properties, such asemulsifying capacity, solubility, foaming capacity, water bindingcapacity and thermogelling capacity, on isolation. In one aspect, thepotato protein is undenaturated potato protein.

In the present context “freeze denaturate” as described herein meansthat the protein in question denaturates when frozen and/or during thefreezing process.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled inthe art (e.g. in ice cream and frozen dessert manufacture). Definitionsand descriptions of various terms and techniques used in frozenconfectionery manufacture are found in “Ice Cream”, 6^(th) Edition, R.T. Marshall, H. D Goff and R. W. Hartel, Kluwer Academic/PlenumPublishers, New York 2003.

The invention relates to the combination of an emulsifier and a protein,such as a vegetable protein, for example potato protein, in a whippingagent for whipped food products such as for example sorbet and sherbet.

The present inventors have found that the combination of an emulsifierand a protein, such as a vegetable protein, provides emulsifier-proteininteraction structures or complexes, characterized by being surfaceactive. These structures are able to improve foaming and foam stabilityvery significantly, compared to the foaming and foam stability effect ofthe individual emulsifier and protein. In one aspect, the invention thusrelates to such complex of emulsifier and protein, and the use thereofin a whipping agent.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a particulate form of theabove mentioned complexes. In one aspect, the complexes are in form of aparticulate of micro or nanoscale size. These particulate structures arecreated by running a simple heating process of the constituents in awater phase, allowing the emulsifier to melt and/or form micelles ormesophases. During heating and subsequent cooling particulate complexesmay be formed between the emulsifier and the protein. The emulsifier maybe of ionic or nonionic origin, preferably non ionic origin and morepreferable monodiglycerides. The proteins may be of vegetable origin oranimal origin, e.g. dairy proteins. The proteins are preferablyundenaturated or partly denaturated. After cooling, a subsequenthomogenization or other strong mechanical treatment may disintegrate thecomplex aggregate structures to micro or nanoscale particulateemulsifier-protein complexes. In one aspect, the particles have a sizeof between 10 nanometre to 100 micron, 10 nanometre to 50 micron, 10nanometre to 10 micron, 10 nanometre to 500 nanometre or 10 nanometre to150 nanometre. The size of the particles may be measured by ananoparticle tracking method. The nanoparticle tracking method detectsparticle size of each individual particle by tracking the Brownianmovements of the particle. This is an especially preferred techniquecompared to more traditional dynamic light scattering techniques, when abroad or a polymodal particle size distribution exist.

Thus in one aspect, provided is a method for preparing complexes of anemulsifier and a protein comprising a step of heating a compositioncomprising the emulsifier and the protein to a temperature at or abovethe melting temperature of the emulsifier and/or at a temperaturewherein the emulsifier creates micelles or mesophasic structures such asdispersions, followed by a step of cooling the heated composition,optionally to below the melting temperature of the emulsifier and/or toa temperature where the emulsifier is transformed into a crystalline orliquid crystalline structure. In one aspect, said composition is a foodproduct as further defined herein.

In a further aspect, provided is a method for preparing a whipped foodproduct, such as sorbet or sherbet, by adding a whipping agent asdefined herein, and whipping and optionally freezing the product,comprising a step of forming complexes between an emulsifier and aprotein, and optionally forming particles of the complexes. In yet afurther aspect, the complexes in the method for preparing the whippedproduct are formed during a step of heating the product after additionof the whipping agent comprising the emulsifier and the protein to atemperature at or above the melting temperature of the emulsifier and/orat a temperature wherein the emulsifier creates micelles or mesophasicstructures, followed by a step of cooling the heated composition,optionally to below the melting temperature of the emulsifier and/or toa temperature where the emulsifier is transformed into a crystalline orliquid crystalline structure.

In one aspect, the temperature during the heating step may be selectedsuch that the protein or part of the protein is denaturated or unfoldedduring this step. In a further aspect, the ionic conditions (includingadding calcium ions) and/or the pH during the heating step may beselected such that the protein or part of the protein is denaturated orunfolded.

To obtain improved complexing and to obtain improved disintegration ofthe complex aggregates into particulates of smaller size, varioussupplementary process steps afterwards may be advantageous. Thesetreatments can be, but is not limited to, freezing or changing pH orchanging ionic conditions (including adding Ca ions), either before orduring or after the mechanical treatment. In one aspect, the complexesare disintegrated into particles by mechanical treatment. Examples ofmechanical treatment are high shear treatment for examplehomogenisation, mechanical treatment and air incorporation in anice-cream freezer or mechanical treatment with ultra turrax.

In one aspect, a whipped product is prepared by 1) mixing liquidingredients (for example at a temperature of 20-22° C.) and dryingredients, separately, 2) mixing dry and liquid ingredients, 3)increasing the temperature of the mixture to between for example 50-90°C., such as between 60-80° C. or between 65-75° C., 4) optionallyhomogenising for example at 78° C./150 bar and/or pasteurising at forexample 84° C./30 sec the heated mixture, 5) cooling the mixture to forexample 5° C., 6) ageing for example overnight in ice water (2-5° C.),7) adding optionally pH regulating agents, flavouring and colouringagents, 8) freezing, light extrusion, for example to a target overrun of100%, drawing temperature: for example at a temperature of between −5 to−7° C. such as −5.7° C. and filling and overnight freezing in ahardening tunnel at for example −40° C. and stored at for example −20°C. In one aspect, mechanical treatment with Ultra turrax may beperformed by treatment at for example 5° C. in an Ultraturrax T25 fromJanke&Kunkel IKA Labortechnik, using a S25N-25F dispersion unit, at20000 rpm for 15 seconds.

In one aspect, the whipped product as disclosed herein has a pH below pH6 such as between 2.5 and 5.8. In another aspect, the whipped producthas a pH between pH 2.5 and 5.

Without wishing to be bound to any theory it is believed that theunderlying mechanism for the improved properties of the complexes withregard to their use in a whipping agent is due to the unfolding of theprotein such as vegetable protein creating hydrophobic areas that willbind to the emulsifier such as a monoglyceride, when the monoglycerideis transformed into mesophasic or crystalline/liquid crystalline form.

In one aspect, the emulsifier is ionic or non-ionic. In a furtheraspect, the emulsifier is non-ionic. As examples of emulsifiers mentioncan be made of mono- and/or diglycerides of saturated or unsaturatedfatty acids, and polysorbate. A particular useful emulsifier is mono-and/or diglycerides of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids.

In one aspect, the emulsifier is used in a range of 0.01-1% (w/w), morepreferred in a range of 0.05-0.5% (w/w), more preferred in a range of0.1-0.4% (w/w).

In one aspect, the “mono- and/or diglycerides of saturated orunsaturated fatty acids” are produced from glycerol and natural fattyacids, mainly of plant origin, but also fats of animal origin may beused. In a further aspect, the mono- and/or diglycerides of saturated orunsaturated fatty acids is a mixture of different mono- and/ordiglycerides of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, with a compositionsimilar to partially digested natural fat. In one aspect, amono-glyceride is an ester in which one hydroxyl group of glycerol isesterified with a fatty acid. In a further aspect, a di-glyceride is anester in which two hydroxyl groups of glycerol are esterified with two(same or different) fatty acids. The term monoglycerides is commonlyused for commercial products produced by the interesterification of fatsor oils (triacylglycerols) with glycerol. This process is referred to asglycerolysis, and the products manufactured by this process withoutfurther purification by solvent fractionation or molecular distillationtechniques are often referred to as mono-diglycerides. Concentratedmonoglycerides are usually referred to as distilled monoglycerides. Thecontent of monoacylglycerols in the equilibrium mixture obtained afterglycerolysis may vary from 10-60% depending on the glycerol/fat ratio inthe reaction mixture. Commercial mono-diglycerides usually contain45-55% monoacylglycerides, 38-45% diacylglycerides and 8-12%triacylglycerides with traces of un-reacted glycerol and free fattyacids. An alternative production method is direct esterification offatty acids with glycerol. By using purified fatty acids, this producesmono-diglycerides with a narrow fatty acid distribution. Commercialmono- and diglycerides (E471) are typically based on fatty acids with achain length of C12-C22. The fatty acids can be saturated ormono-unsaturated or poly-unsaturated. Typical commercial mono- anddiglycerides comprises small amount of salts of fatty acids, not morethan 6% (w/w), calculated as a sodium oleate. In one aspect, the mono-and diglycerides comprises less than 6% (w/w) salts of fatty acids,calculated as a sodium oleate.

In one aspect, the emulsifier is selected from mono- and/ordi-glyceride(s) of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid(s) and mixturesthereof, such as fatty acids with a chain length of C12-C22, such asE471.

In one aspect of the invention, the mono- and/or diglycerides ofsaturated or unsaturated fatty acids are used in the range of 0.01-1%(w/w), more preferred in a range of 0.05-0.5% (w/w), more preferred in arange of 0.1-0.4% (w/w).

A further component of the whipping agent is a protein such as vegetableprotein.

The proteins may be of vegetable or animal origin e.g. dairy proteins.

In a further aspect, the proteins such as vegetable protein are proteinsthat freeze denaturate. In one aspect, the vegetable protein is selectedfrom the group consisting of pea protein, soy protein and potato proteinand mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the vegetable protein is potatoprotein. In one aspect, the vegetable protein is soy protein. In oneaspect, the vegetable protein is pea protein. In one aspect, thevegetable protein is undenaturated protein.

The potato protein as described herein is preferably isolated frompotato fruit juice, a waste product of the starch manufacturingindustry. For the preparation of potato protein both diluted andundiluted potato fruit juice may be used. Other suitable sources ofpotato protein include for example potato peel extracts and effluentstreams from potato processing industries other than the potato-starchindustry.

The potato protein may be a low molecular weight (LMW) potato proteinhaving a mean molecular weight of below 40 kDa, more preferably below 35kDa, even more preferably 5-30 kDa, for example 20-30 kDa. Furthermore,the LMW potato protein may be a protease inhibitor. The potato proteinmay also be a high molecular weight (HMW) potato protein having amolecular weight larger than 35 kDa. Typically, HMW potato protein has amean molecular weight of 40-50 kDa, in particular 40-45 kDa. The potatoprotein may also be a potato protein hydrolysate. Potato proteins cantentatively be divided into the following three classes: (i) the patatinfamily, highly homologous acidic 43 kDa glycoproteins (40-50 wt. % ofthe potato proteins), (ii) basic 5-25 kDa protease inhibitors (30-40 wt.% of the potato proteins) and (iii) other proteins mostly high molecularweight proteins (10-20 wt. % of the potato proteins) (Pots et al., J.Sci. Food. Agric. 1999, 79, 1557-1564).

The potato protein may originate from a native potato protein isolate,such as for example described in WO-A-2008/069650. The potato proteinused in the present invention may be obtained in a manner known per se.Existing methods for isolating potato proteins and potato proteinfractions include fractionation, ion exchange, gel permeation,ultrafiltration, affinity and mixed-mode chromatography andfractionation by heat coagulation. An example of a suitable isolationmethod is described in WO-A-2008/069650 of which the contents are herebyincorporated by reference.

An example of a suitable potato protein is Solanic 306 P, a commercialproduct from Solanic.

In one aspect of the invention, the protein is used in the range of0.01-5% (w/w), 0.01-3% (w/w), 0.01-1% (w/w), 0.05-0.5% (w/w), 0.05-0.2%(w/w).

In one aspect of the invention, the vegetable protein such as potatoprotein is used in the range of 0.01-1% (w/w), more preferred in a rangeof 0.05-0.5% (w/w), more preferred in a range of 0.05-0.2% (w/w).

In one aspect, the weight ratio of the emulsifier to the protein, suchas vegetable protein for example potato protein is between 10 and 0.01,between 10 and 0.1, preferably between 8 and 0.5, more preferablybetween 5 and 1.

In a further aspect, the whipping agent comprises an emulsifier, aprotein such as vegetable protein, and optionallystabilisers/thickeners, like e.g. xanthan, pectin, cmc, locust bean gum(LBG) and guar guam.

In a further aspect, the whipping agent comprises an emulsifier, aprotein such as vegetable protein, locust bean gum (LBG) and guar guam.

In a further aspect, the whipping agent comprises monodiglycerides, avegetable protein such as potato protein, and optionallystabilisers/thickeners, like e.g. xanthan, pectin, cmc locust bean gum(LBG) and guar guam.

In a further aspect, the whipping agent comprises monodiglycerides, avegetable protein such as potato protein, locust bean gum (LBG) and guarguam.

In one aspect, the whipping agent of emulsifier and protein such asvegetable protein as described herein is used for making a food productthat comprises foam obtained by whipping, wherein the foam comprises thewhipping agent.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a whippingagent as described herein for making a whipped frozen food product suchas sorbet or sherbet.

It has surprisingly been found that the whipped frozen food product hasimproved air incorporation and distribution and/or overrun and/orsmoother texture and/or better heat shock stability.

In one aspect, the whipped frozen food product comprising a whippingagent of emulsifier and protein according to the invention has at leastone improved property selected from the group of air incorporation,distribution, overrun, smoother texture, whipping in the presence ofterpens and better heat shock stability compared to the same whippedfrozen food product comprising a whipping agent consisting solely ofsaid emulsifier or said protein.

In a further aspect, the protein such as vegetable protein is used in arange of 0.01-5% (w/w), 0.01-4% (w/w), 0.01-3% (w/w), 0.01-1% (w/w),more preferred in a range of 0.05-0.5% (w/w), more preferred in a rangeof 0.05-0.2% (w/w) and/or the emulsifier is used in a range of 0.01-1%(w/w), more preferred in a range of 0.05-0.5% (w/w), more preferred in arange of 0.1-0.4% (w/w).

In the present context “air incorporation and distribution” may beevaluated by any method known to the skilled person for example asdescribed in the examples herein by sensory evaluation.

In the present context “smoother texture” may be evaluated by any methodknown to the skilled person for example as described in the examplesherein by sensory evaluation.

In the present context “heat shock stability” may be evaluated by anymethod known to the skilled person for example as described herein inthe examples.

In the present context “overrun” is a measure of the volume of airwhipped into the product. In the present context “overrun” may bemeasured by any method known to the skilled person for example asdescribed herein in the examples.

Synergy of the combination of the two ingredients, the emulsifier, suchas mono- and/or di-glyceride(s) of saturated or unsaturated fattyacid(s), and the protein such as vegetable protein, such as potatoprotein, may be determined by making a food product for example a sorbetor sherbet product with addition of the first and/or the secondingredient of the combination separately and in combination, andcomparing the effects; synergy is indicated when the combinationproduces a better effect than each ingredient used separately.

The invention relates also to a whipped food product such as a frozenfood product comprising a whipping agent as described herein. In afurther aspect, the whipped food product is an aerated product foodproduct such as a sherbet, sorbet, ice cream, mousse, milk shakes, andconfectionery.

In one aspect, the whipped food product comprises less than 4% (w/w)fat, less than 3 (w/w) fat or less than 2% (w/w) fat. In one aspect, thewhipped food product comprises less than 2% (w/w) fat such as between0.5% (w/w) and 2% (w/w) fat. In a further aspect, the whipped foodproduct is a so-called non-fat food product comprising less than 0.5%(w/w) fat. In a further aspect, the whipped food product comprises lessthan 2% (w/w) milk fat, such as between 1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w) milk fat.In a further aspect, the whipped food product is a non-fat food productcomprising less than 0.5% (w/w) milk fat. In one aspect, the whippedfood product comprises more than 40% (w/w) water, more than 50% (w/w)water or more than 60% (w/w) water.

In one aspect, a method of preparing such a product is by adding awhipping agent as described herein and whipping and optionally freezingsaid product.

In one aspect, the food product is sherbet or sorbet.

Sorbet and sherbet are traditionally sweetened with nutritivecarbohydrate sweeteners and are characterized by the addition of one ormore fruit ingredients or one or more nonfruit-characterizingingredients.

Examples of optional fruit-characterizing ingredients are any maturefruit or the juice of any mature fruit. The fruit or fruit juice usedmay be fresh, frozen, canned, concentrated, or partially or whollydried. The fruit may be thickened with pectin or other optionalingredients. The fruit is prepared by the removal of pits, seeds, skins,and cores, where such removal is usual in preparing that kind of fruitfor consumption as fresh fruit. The fruit may be screened, crushed, orotherwise comminute. It may be acidulated. In the case of concentratedfruit or fruit juices, from which part of the water is removed,substances contributing flavor volatilized during water removal may becondensed and reincorporated in the concentrated fruit or fruit juice.In the case of citrus fruits, the whole fruit, including the peel butexcluding the seeds, may be used, and in the case of citrus juice orconcentrated citrus juices, cold-pressed citrus oil may be added theretoin an amount not exceeding that which would have been obtained if thewhole fruit had been used.

Examples of nonfruit characterizing ingredients include but are notlimited to the following: (1) Ground spice or infusion of coffee or tea;(2) Chocolate or cocoa, including sirup; (3) Confectionery; (4)Distilled alcoholic beverage, including liqueurs or wine and/or (5) Anyfood flavoring (except any having a characteristic fruit or fruit-likeflavor).

Examples of sweeteners used in the present context may be sucrose,glucose, fructose, glucose syrup with different DE (dextroseequivalent), polydextrose, lactitol, inulin, xylito or a mixturethereof.

The sorbet or sherbet product may in addition comprise colourings suchas beta-carotene, for example, and/or any type of flavourings orperfumes customarily used to flavour frozen confections, such asstrawberry, orange and raspberry for example.

As mentioned, whereas sorbets normally do not contain fat and non-fatmilk solids (MSNF), sherbet traditionally has a certain amount of fat,typically 1-3% (w/w) and/or non-fat milk solids, typically 1-4% (w/w).

Examples of fats are milk fat coming from sources such as butter oilconcentrate, butter, cream and whole milk and fat coming from vegetablesources such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil.

Examples of MSNF sources traditionally used in sherbets are skimmed milkpowder, whey powder and other whey based products, whole milk powder,skimmed milk, semi-skimmed milk, whole milk, cream, condensed milk,sweetened condensed milk, butter milk powder.

Traditionally sorbet and sherbet also contain different stabilisers suchexample as pectin, locust bean gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, alginate,carrageenan, cellulose gum, starch and modified starch.

Further embodiments according to the invention:

EMBODIMENT 1

A whipping agent comprising an emulsifier and a protein.

EMBODIMENT 2

The whipping agent according to embodiment 1, wherein the emulsifier andprotein are capable of forming complexes.

EMBODIMENT 3

The whipping agent according to any one of embodiments 1 or 2, whereinthe protein is a vegetable protein.

EMBODIMENT 4

The whipping agent according to any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein theprotein is an undenaturated or partly denaturated protein.

EMBODIMENT 5

The whipping agent according to any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein theprotein is a protein that freeze denaturate.

EMBODIMENT 6

The whipping agent according to any one of embodiments 3-5, wherein thevegetable protein is selected from the group consisting of pea protein,soy protein and potato protein and mixtures thereof.

EMBODIMENT 7

The whipping agent according to any one of embodiments 3-6, wherein thevegetable protein is potato protein.

EMBODIMENT 8

The whipping agent according to any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein theemulsifier is ionic or non-ionic.

EMBODIMENT 9

The whipping agent according to any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein theemulsifier is non-ionic.

EMBODIMENT 10

The whipping agent according to any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein theemulsifier is selected from mono- and/or di-glyceride(s) of saturated orunsaturated fatty acid(s) and mixtures thereof, such as fatty acids witha chain length of C12-C22.

EMBODIMENT 11

The whipping agent according to any one of embodiments 1-10, wherein theweight ratio of the emulsifier to the protein is between 10 and 0.01,between 10 and 0.1, preferably between 8 and 0.5, more preferablybetween 5 and 1.

EMBODIMENT 12

Use of a whipping agent as defined in any one of embodiments 1-11 formaking a whipped, food product.

EMBODIMENT 13

The use according to embodiment 12, wherein the food product is frozen.

EMBODIMENT 14

The use according to any one of embodiments 12-13, wherein the foodproduct is sorbet or sherbet.

EMBODIMENT 15

The use according to any one of embodiments 12-14, wherein the whippedfrozen food product has improved air incorporation and distributionand/or overrun and/or smoother texture and/or better heat shockstability.

EMBODIMENT 16

The use according to any one of embodiments 12-15, wherein the proteinis used in a range of 0.01-5% (w/w), 0.01-3% (w/w), 0.01-1% (w/w), morepreferred in a range of 0.05-0.5% (w/w), more preferred in a range of0.05-0.2% (w/w).

EMBODIMENT 17

The use according to any one of embodiments 12-16, wherein theemulsifier is used in a range of 0.01-1% (w/w), more preferred in arange of 0.05-0.5% (w/w), more preferred in a range of 0.1-0.4% (w/w).

EMBODIMENT 18

A whipped food product comprising a whipping agent, which whipping agentis as defined in any one of embodiments 1-11.

EMBODIMENT 19

The whipped food product according to embodiment 18, which product isfrozen.

EMBODIMENT 20

The whipped food product according to any one of embodiments 18-19comprising the emulsifier in a range of 0.01-1% (w/w), more preferred ina range of 0.05-0.5% (w/w), more preferred in a range of 0.1-0.4% (w/w).

EMBODIMENT 21

The whipped food product according any one of embodiments 18-20comprising the protein in a range of 0.01-5% (w/w), 0.01-3% (w/w),0.01-1% (w/w), more preferred in a range of 0.05-0.5% (w/w), morepreferred in a range of 0.05-0.2% (w/w).

EMBODIMENT 22

The whipped food product according to embodiment any one of embodiments18-21 comprising less than 4% fat, less than 3% fat or less than 2% fat.

EMBODIMENT 23

The whipped food product according to any one of embodiments 18-22comprising less than 2% milk fat, such as between 1% and 2% milk fat.

EMBODIMENT 24

The whipped food product according to any one of embodiments 18-23,wherein said product is sherbet or sorbet.

EMBODIMENT 25

A method of preparing a whipped food product such as sorbet or sherbetby adding a whipping agent as defined in any one of embodiments 1-11,and, optionally heating and further whipping and optionally freezing theproduct.

EMBODIMENT 26

A method for preparing complexes of emulsifier and protein comprising astep of heating a composition comprising emulsifier and protein to atemperature at or above the melting temperature of the emulsifier and/orat a temperature wherein the emulsifier creates micelles or mesophasicstructures, followed by a step of cooling the heated compositionoptionally to below the melting temperature of the emulsifier and/or toa temperature where the emulsifier transform into a crystalline orliquid crystalline structure.

EMBODIMENT 27

A method for preparing a whipped food product such as sorbet or sherbetby adding a whipping agent as defined in any one of embodiments 1-11,and whipping and optionally freezing the product, comprising a step offorming complexes between emulsifier and protein, and optionally formingparticles of the complexes.

EMBODIMENT 28

The method according to embodiment 27, wherein the complexes are formedduring a step of heating the product after addition of the whippingagent comprising the emulsifier and protein to a temperature at or abovethe melting temperature of the emulsifier and/or at a temperaturewherein the emulsifier creates micelles or mesophasic structures,followed by a step of cooling the heated composition optionally to belowthe melting temperature of the emulsifier and/or to a temperature wherethe emulsifier transform into a crystalline or liquid crystallinestructure.

EMBODIMENT 29

The method according to any one of embodiments 26-28, wherein thetemperature during the heating step is selected such that the protein orat least part of the protein is denaturated.

EMBODIMENT 30

The method according to any one of embodiments 26-29, wherein the ionicconditions and/or the pH during the heating step is selected such thatthe protein or at least part of the protein is denaturated.

EMBODIMENT 31

The method according to any one of embodiments 26-30, wherein thecomplexes are disintegrated into smaller particles by mechanicaltreatment such as high shear treatment, for example homogenisation,mechanical treatment and air incorporation in a ice-cream freezer ormechanical treatment with ultra turrax.

EMBODIMENT 32

The method according to embodiment 30, wherein the ionic conditions arechanged by adding Ca ions.

EMBODIMENT 33

A complex of emulsifier and protein.

EMBODIMENT 34

A complex of emulsifier and protein formed by heating of a compositioncomprising emulsifier and protein to a temperature at or above themelting temperature of the emulsifier and/or at a temperature whereinthe emulsifier creates micelles or mesophasic structures, followed bycooling of the mixture optionally to below the melting temperature ofthe emulsifier and/or to a temperature where the emulsifier transforminto a crystalline or liquid crystalline structure.

EMBODIMENT 35

The complex according to any one of embodiments 33-34, which is anaggregate.

EMBODIMENT 36

The complex according to any one of embodiments 33-35, which is inparticulate form.

EMBODIMENT 37

The complex according to embodiments 36, which particles has a size of10 nanometre to 100 micron, 10 nanometre to 50 micron or 10 nanometre to10 micron or 10 nanometre to 150 nanometre.

EMBODIMENT 38

The complex according to any one of embodiments 33-37, wherein theprotein in the composition before heating is undenaturated or partlydenaturated protein.

EMBODIMENT 39

The complex according to embodiment 38, wherein the protein is a proteinthat freeze denaturate.

EMBODIMENT 40

The complex according to any one of embodiments 38-39, wherein theprotein is undenaturated or only partly denaturated.

EMBODIMENT 41

The complex according to any one of embodiments 33-40, wherein theprotein is a vegetable protein.

EMBODIMENT 42

The complex according to any one of embodiments 33-40, wherein thevegetable protein is selected from the group consisting of pea protein,soy protein and potato protein and mixtures thereof.

EMBODIMENT 43

The complex according to any one of embodiments 33-42, wherein thevegetable protein is potato protein.

EMBODIMENT 44

The complex according to any one of embodiments 33-43, wherein theemulsifier is ionic or non-ionic.

EMBODIMENT 45

The complex according to any one of embodiments 33-44, wherein theemulsifier is non-ionic.

EMBODIMENT 46

The complex according to any one of embodiments 33-45, wherein theemulsifier is selected from mono- and/or di-glyceride(s) of saturated orunsaturated fatty acid(s) and mixtures thereof, such as fatty acids witha chain length of C12-C22.

EMBODIMENT 47

The complex according to any one of embodiments 33-46, wherein theweight ratio of the emulsifier to protein such as vegetable protein isbetween 10 and 0.01, between 10 and 0.1, preferably between 8 and 0.5,more preferably between 5 and 1.

EMBODIMENT 48

A whipped product comprising the complex as defined in any one ofembodiments 31-47.

EMBODIMENT 49

The whipped product according to embodiment 48, wherein the whippedproduct is as further defined in embodiments 18-24.

EMBODIMENT 50

The use according to any one of embodiments 12-17, wherein the foodproduct comprises less than less than 2% fat (w/w) or less than 0.5%(w/w).

EMBODIMENT 51

The use according to any one of embodiments 12-17 and 50, wherein thefood product is as defined in any one of embodiments 19-25.

EMBODIMENT 52

The use according to any one of embodiments 12-17 and 50-51, wherein thewhipped frozen food product comprising a whipping agent of emulsifierand protein as defined in any one of embodiments 1-11 has at least oneimproved property selected from the group of air incorporation,distribution, overrun, smoother texture, whipping in the presence ofterpens, and better heat shock stability compared to the same whippedfrozen food product comprising a whipping agent consisting solely ofsaid emulsifier or said protein.

EXAMPLE 1

The following sorbet mix were prepared and frozen:

Ingredients in % (w/w)

Ingredient Name 1 2 3 4 5 Sucrose 24.000 24.000 24.000 24.000 24.000Glucose syrup powder 32 DE, 95% TS 6.000 6.000 6.000 6.000 6.000GRINDSTED ® LBG 246 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200 Whey proteinconcentrate 80 0.100 Methylcellulose 0.100 Solanic 306 P 0.100 0.2000.100 CREMODAN ® SUPER Mono-diglyceride 0.200 Lime Green Colour(green/yellow) 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 Lemon Flavouring T10251from Firmenich 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200 Citric acid solution (50%W/W) Water (Tap) 69.450 69.450 69.450 69.350 69.250 Total % 100 100 100100 100 CREMODAN ® SUPER Mono-diglyceride is a commercial mono- anddiglyceride from Danisco A/S. Solanic 306 P is a commercial product fromSolanic GRINDSTED ® LBG 246 is a commercial locust bean gum from DaniscoA/S

Procedure:

-   1. Mix liquid ingredients at 20-22° C.-   2. Mix dry ingredients-   3. Mix dry and liquid ingredients and increase temperature to 70° C.-   4. Homogenise at 78° C./150 bar-   5. Pasteurise at 84° C./30 seconds-   6. Cool to 5° C.-   7. Ageing overnight in ice water (2-5° C.)-   8. Add 50% citric acid to pH 2.7-   9. Add flavouring and colouring-   10. Freezing, light extrusion, overrun 80% and filling into 250 ml    cartons-   11. Overnight hardening in hardening tunnel at −40° C.-   12. Store at −20° C.

Sensory Evaluation of the Samples: Fresh Samples

-   1. Good air cell distribution, a little brittle-   2. Acceptable-   3. Cold and brittle, medium-sized air cells-   4. Brittle and very bad air distribution, very big air bubbles-   5. Fine texture, good air distribution

The sorbet samples were exposed to heat shock treatment. The followingheat shock treatment was used:

The products were tempered and stored in a freezer cabinet at −18° C.When the products had been tempered, they were placed in a heat shockfreezer cabinet, where the temperature varied between −20° C. and −5° C.every 6 hours. The products were kept in this freezer cabinet for 7days.

All samples were tempered at −18° C. for 2 days before being evaluated.

Heat Shock Treated Samples

-   1. Shrinkage, cold eating, icy-   2. Cold eating, slightly icy-   3. Brittle, icy and rough-   4. Very bad, very big air bubbles, like a cheese with big holes-   5. Smooth, best of the 5 samples

Conclusion:

The combination of potato protein (Solanic 306 P) and mono- anddiglyceride (CREMODAN® SUPER Mono-glyceride) gave excellent and betterresults than potato protein or mono- and diglyceride used alone aswhipping agent in the sorbet application.

EXAMPLE 2

The following sorbet mix were prepared and frozen:

Ingredients in % (w/w)

Ingredient Name 1 2 3 Water (Tap) 69.130 69.030 68.930 Sucrose 20.00020.000 20.000 Glucose syrup powder 32 DE, 95% TS. 7.000 7.000 7.000Orange concentrate 65 brix 3.500 3.500 3.500 CREMODAN ® SUPERMono-diglyceride 0.200 0.200 Solanic 306 P 0.100 0.100 GRINDSTED ® LBG246 0.050 0.050 0.050 Firmenich Orange juice 055604 T 0.020 0.020 0.020(flavouring) BetaCarotene (yellow colouring) 0.200 0.200 0.200 Total %100 100 100Mix no. 1: With potato protein (Solanic 306 P) as sole whipping agent.Mix no. 2: With mono- and diglyceride (CREMODAN® SUPER Mono-diglyceride)as sole whipping agent.Mix no. 3: With combination of potato protein (Solanic 306 P) and mono-and diglyceride (CREMODAN® SUPER Mono-diglyceride) as whipping agent.

Procedure:

-   1. Mix liquid ingredients at 20-22° C.-   2. Mix dry ingredients-   3. Mix dry and liquid ingredients and increase temperature to 70° C.-   4. Homogenise at 78° C./150 bar-   5. Pasteurise at: 84° C./30 sec-   6. Cool to 5° C.-   7. Ageing overnight in ice water (2-5° C.)-   8. Add 50% citric acid to pH: 3.0-   9. Add flavouring and colouring-   10. Freezing, light extrusion, target overrun: 100%, drawing    temperature: −5.7° C.-   11. Fill-   12. Overnight freezing in hardening tunnel at −40° C.-   13. Store at −20° C.

Performance on the Freezer:

Mix no. 1: It was only possible to get 10% overrun into the mix as thewhipping effect of the mix was very poor the sorbet showed big airbubbles when leaving the freezer, very poor air incorporation.Mix no. 2: It was only possible to get 30% overrun into the mix as thewhipping effect of the mix was very poor, the sorbet showed big airbubbles when leaving the freezer, poor air incorporation.Mix no. 3: Target overrun of 90% was easy to reach, with fin airincorporation.

Sensory Evaluation of the Samples Fresh Samples Stored at −18° C. for 2Days:

Sample no. 1: Very hard and brittle structure, very poor airincorporation, very cold eating sensation, very poor air incorporation.Sample no. 2: Hard and brittle structure, poor air incorporation,cold-eating sensation.Sample no. 3: Very smooth and fine, very fine air incorporation.

EXAMPLE 3

The following sorbet mix were prepared and frozen:

Ingredients in % (w/w)

Ingredient Name 1 2 Sucrose 16.000 16.000 Glucose syrup powder 32 DE,95% TS. 6.000 6.000 Black Currant concentrate (65 brix) 10.000 10.000Solanic 306 P 0.100 0.100 GRINDSTED ® LBG 246 0.130 0.130 MEYPRODOR ™ 50(Guar gum) 0.120 0.120 CREMODAN ® SUPER Mono-diglyceride 0.250Polysorbate 80 (E433) 0.250 Water (Tap) 67.400 67.400 Total % 100 100MEYPRODOR ™ 50 is a commercial depolymerised guar gum from Danisco A/SMix no. 1: With combination of potato protein (Solanic 306 P) and mono-and diglycerides (CREMODAN® SUPER Mono-diglyceride) as whipping agentMix no. 2: With combination of potato protein (Solanic 306 P) andpolysorbate 80 (E433) as whipping agent

Procedure:

-   1. Mix liquid ingredients at 20-22° C.-   2. Mix dry ingredients-   3. Mix dry and liquid ingredients and increase temperature to 70° C.-   4. Homogenise at 78° C./150 bar-   5. Pasteurise at: 84° C./30 sec-   6. Cool to 5° C.-   7. Ageing overnight in ice water (2-5° C.)-   8. Add flavouring and colouring-   9. Freezing, light extrusion, overrun: 80%-   10. Fill-   11. Overnight freezing in hardening tunnel at −40° C.-   12. Store at −20° C.

Performance on the Freezer:

Both mix no. 1 and 2 had fine air incorporation. No problem achieving80% overrun in the sorbet samples.

Sensory Evaluation of the Samples Fresh Samples Stored at −18° C. for 2Days:

Texture (very smooth), body and air distribution was fully acceptablefor both sample no. 1 and 2, although sample no. 2 had some off-taste ofpolysorbate 80.

EXAMPLE 4

The following sorbet mix were prepared and frozen:

Ingredients in % (w/w)

Ingredient Name 1 2 3 4 5 Water (Tap) 69.580 69.680 69.480 69.680 69.480Sucrose 25.000 25.000 25.000 25.000 25.000 Glu. syr. p. 32DE 5.000 5.0005.000 5.000 5.000 95% TS CREMODAN ® SUPER 0.200 0.200 0.200Mono-diglyceride GRINDSTED ® LBG 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200 246Nutralys F85F 0.100 0.100 Alpha 12 0.100 0.100 C - Lemon 504196 A 0.0200.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 from Firmenich Total % 100 100 100 100 100Nutralys F85F is a commercial pea protein isolate from Roquette. Alpha12 is a commercial soyprotein concentrate from Solae.

Procedure:

-   1. Mix liquid ingredients at 20-22° C.-   2. Mix dry ingredients-   3. Mix dry and liquid ingredients and increase temperature to 70° C.-   4. Homogenise at 78° C./150 bar-   5. Pasteurise at: 84° C./30 sec on plate heat exchanger-   6. Cool to 5° C.-   7. Add 50% citric acid to pH: 3.00-   8. Add flavouring-   9. Ageing 1 hour-   10. Freeze on ice cream freezer with no overrun-   11. Freeze on ice cream freezer with 80% overrun-   12. Fill in cartons-   13. Store at −25° C.

Evaluation of Sorbet Samples

Obtainable overrun, Sample % Sensory evaluation 1 30 Brittle, poor airincorporation 2 15 Hard, brittle, very poor air incorporation 3 70Smooth, creamy, fine air incorporation 4 15 Hard, brittle, very poor airincorporation 5 45 Slightly hard, medium air incorporation

EXAMPLE 5

The following sorbet mix were prepared and frozen:

Ingredients in % (w/w)

recipe Ingredient Name 1 2 3 Water (Tap) 69.68 69.58 69.48 Sucrose 25.0025.00 25.00 Gl. syrup 32DE 95% TS 5.00 5.00 5.00 Potato protein 0.100.10 Monodiglyceride (MDG) 0.20 0.20 Locust bean gum 0.20 0.20 0.20Lemon flavour 0.02 0.02 0.02 Total % 100.00 100.00 100.00

Procedure:

-   1. Mix liquid ingredients at 20-22° C.-   2. Mix dry ingredients-   3. Mix dry and liquid ingredients and increase temperature to 70° C.-   4. Homogenise at 78° C./150 bar-   5. Pasteurise at: 84° C./30 sec on plate heat exchanger-   6. Cool to 5° C.-   7. Ageing overnight in ice water (2-5° C.)-   8. Add 50% citric acid to pH 3.00-   9. Add flavouring-   10. Freezing, light extrusion, target overrun: 100%-   11. Fill-   12. Overnight freezing in hardening tunnel at −40° C.

Evaluation of Sorbet Samples With Potato Protein Alone (Recipe 1):Overrun: 40%

Poor air incorporation, brittle

With MDG Alone (Recipe 2): Overrun: 50%

Poor air incorporation. However incorporated air was finely distributed

With Potato Protein and MDG (Recipe 3) Overrun: 100%

Good air incorporation with fine distribution, good body.

The above sorbet recipes 2 and 3 were further evaluated using lightmicroscopy, polarised light microscopy and confocal laser scanningmicroscopy. The results are shown in FIG. 1. The light microscopy showsthe shape and size of particles in the sorbet mix. The polarised lightmicroscopy shows crystals or liquid crystalline structures, created bythe emulsifier. The confocal scanning pictures shows specificlocalisation of protein and emulsifier structures, where the emulsifierpart is coloured red, using Nile red as dye, and where the protein iscoloured green, using FITC as dye. In FIG. 1 the first row of picturesshow the particle structures in the unfrozen sorbet mix of recipe 2,where the MDG is seen as relatively big condensed crystallinestructures. The second rows of pictures show the structures in theunfrozen sorbet mix of recipe 3, where big aggregated structures ofsmall crystalline emulsifier and small protein structures are seen,indicating aggregated complexes, already created in bulk and not at theinterface during whipping. The third row of pictures show the structuresin the frozen and mechanically treated sorbet mix of recipe 3, where thebig aggregate structures are broken down to very small structures, whichcontain crystalline parts but also protein parts, indicating complexing.

Stabilisation of interphases by emulsifier-protein complexes isillustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows pictures of zeta potentialmeasurements, made by preparing 10% o/w emulsions of the sorbet mixes ofrecipe 1, 2 and 3 adding rape seed oil while homogenising (ultraturrax). Emulsions are made from recipe 1, 2 and 3 both evaluating thesorbet mixes before and after a freezing process. It can be seen thatrecipe 2 results in a negative zeta potential, Recipe 1 results in apositive zeta potential, whereas the combination of MDG and potatoprotein in recipe 3 results in a zeta potential close to 0. This impliesthat MDG and potato protein binds together at the oil/water interface,supporting the microscopy data, that a complex has been formed. The dataalso indicate that the complexes are formed before freezing, againsupporting the microscopy findings.

FIG. 3 shows the impact of freezing and mechanical treatment on foamingproperties. FIG. 3 shows a foaming test, which has been performed on thesorbet mix from example 5 recipe 3. The foaming test was performed on aFoamScan instrument from the company Teclis. Foam is created by blowingnitrogen through a glass frit into the sample. The experiment was run byincorporating nitrogen, until a foam volume of 120 ml was reached, using40 ml of sorbet mix for the foaming experiment. Then the foam volume wasfollowed over time as well as the liquid content of the foam over time(based on conductivity measurement at a specific foam height). As can beseen the freezing have a certain effect on the foam volume and waterretention in the foam, but it especially the mechanical treatment thatdramatically improves foam volume stability and water retentioncapability. This support the microscopy results, that by breaking downthe aggregated complexes to very small particulate complexes ofemulsifier and protein, a strong foam stabilisation is achieved.

FIG. 4 shows the size of particulate structures using nanoparticletracking analysis with the NTA2.2 (Nanosight Ltd.m UK) for sorbet mixesafter freezing and subsequent ultra turrax treatment where the sorbetmix are of recipe 1, 2 and 3 of example 5. The nanoparticle trackingmethod detect particle size of each individual particle by tracking theBrownian movements of the particle. This is an especially preferredtechnique compared to more traditional light scattering techniques, whena broad or a polymodal particle size distribution exists. It is seenthat particles of nanosize are created, but especially small particlesare obtained for the sorbet mix with the MDG and potato proteincombination.

EXAMPLE 6

The following sorbet mix were prepared and frozen:

Ingredients in % (w/w)

Ingredient Name 1 2 Water (Tap) 69.600 68.980 Sucrose 25.000 20.000Glucose syrup powder 32 DE, 95% TS. 5.000 7.000 Orange concentrate 65brix 3.500 Flavouring 0.100 Flavouring 0.020 BetaCarotene (yellowcolour) 0.200 GRINDSTED ® LBG 246 0.200 0.200 DairinQ 302 P (potatoprotein)* 0.100 0.100 Total % 100 100 *Commercial potato protein fromSolanic

Procedure:

-   1. Mix liquid ingredients at 20-22° C.-   2. Mix dry ingredients-   3. Mix dry and liquid ingredients and add 50% citric acid to pH: 2.7    (before pasteurisation)-   4. Increase temperature to 70° C.-   5. PHE pasteurise at: 84° C./30 sec-   6. Cool to 5° C.-   7. Ageing overnight in ice water (2-5° C.)-   8. Add flavouring and colouring-   9. Freezing, light extrusion, overrun target: 100%-   10. Fill-   11. Store at −20° C.    Mix no. 1 is based on flavouring (no fruit concentrate)    Mix no. 2 is based on flavouring and orange concentrate

The following drawing temperatures and overrun were observed from thefreezer:

1 2 Drawing temp. [° C.] −6.6 −6.5 Overrun (%) 100 30

No significant deviations in the recorded drawing temperature wereobserved.

The sorbet was analyzed by sensorial testing and the following wasobserved:

1 2 Sensory, Fine structure, brittle structure, descriptions creamymouthfeel, poor air incorporation good flavour release (very big airbubbles), cold-eating

These trials showed that potato protein (in this case DairinQ 302 P),can function as sole whipping agent (formulation 1) in sorbet, when pHis adjusted before heating and homogenisation, but not when fruitcomponents are present like in trial no. 2 (where orange concentrate isused).

Various modifications and variations of the described embodiments willbe apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of those embodiments. It should be understood that thesubject matters as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specificembodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes forcarrying out the embodiments that are obvious to those skilled in theart are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

All references discussed herein are incorporated herein by reference forall purposes.

1. A whipping agent comprising an emulsifier and a protein.
 2. Thewhipping agent according to claim 1, wherein the emulsifier and proteinare capable of forming complexes.
 3. The whipping agent according toclaim 1, wherein the protein is a vegetable protein.
 4. The whippingagent according to claim 1, wherein the protein is an undenaturated orpartly denaturated protein.
 5. The whipping agent according to claim 1,wherein the vegetable protein is selected from the group consisting ofpea protein, soy protein and potato protein and mixtures thereof.
 6. Thewhipping agent according to claim 1, wherein the vegetable protein ispotato protein.
 7. The whipping agent according to claim 1, wherein theemulsifier is ionic or non-ionic.
 8. The whipping agent according toclaim 1, wherein the emulsifier is non-ionic.
 9. The whipping agentaccording to claim 1, wherein the emulsifier is selected from mono-and/or di-glyceride(s) of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid(s) andmixtures thereof.
 10. The whipping agent according to claim 1, whereinthe weight ratio of the emulsifier to the protein is between 10 and0.01. 11-18. (canceled)
 19. A whipped food product comprising a whippingagent, which whipping agent is as defined in claim
 1. 20. The whippedfood product according to claim 19, which product is frozen.
 21. Thewhipped food product according to claim 19 comprising the emulsifier ina range of 0.01-1% (w/w).
 22. The whipped food product according toclaim 19 comprising the protein in a range of 0.01-5% (w/w).
 23. Thewhipped food product according to claim 19 comprising less than 2%(w/w).
 24. The whipped food product according to claim 19 comprisingless than 2% (w/w) milk fat.
 25. The whipped food product according toclaim 19, wherein said product is sherbet or sorbet.
 26. A method ofpreparing a whipped food product by adding a whipping agent as definedin claim 1 and whipping.
 27. The method according to claim 26 furthercomprising the step of heating the product before whipping the product.28. A method for preparing complexes of emulsifier and proteincomprising a step of heating a composition comprising emulsifier andprotein to a temperature at or above the melting temperature of theemulsifier and/or at a temperature wherein the emulsifier createsmicelles or mesophasic structures, followed by a step of cooling theheated composition.
 29. A method for preparing a whipped food product,wherein the method comprises: adding a whipping agent as defined inclaim 1 to a food ingredient to form a product, whipping the product,and forming complexes between the emulsifier and protein.
 30. The methodaccording to claim 29, wherein the complexes are formed during a step ofheating the product after addition of the whipping agent comprising theemulsifier and protein to a temperature at or above the meltingtemperature of the emulsifier and/or at a temperature wherein theemulsifier creates micelles or mesophasic structures, followed by a stepof cooling the heated composition.
 31. The method according to claim 28,wherein the temperature during the heating step is selected such thatthe protein or at least part of the protein is denaturated.
 32. Themethod according to claim 28, wherein the ionic conditions and/or the pHduring the heating step is selected such that the protein or at leastpart of the protein is denaturated.
 33. The method according to claim28, wherein the complexes are disintegrated into smaller particles bymechanical treatment.
 34. The method according to claim 32, wherein theionic conditions are changed by adding Ca ions.
 35. A complex ofemulsifier and protein.
 36. A complex of emulsifier and proteinaccording to claim 35, wherein the complex is formed by heating of acomposition comprising emulsifier and protein to a temperature at orabove the melting temperature of the emulsifier and/or at a temperaturewherein the emulsifier creates micelles or mesophasic structures,followed by cooling of the mixture.
 37. The complex according to claim35, which is an aggregate.
 38. The complex according to claim 35, whichis in particulate form.
 39. The complex according to claim 38, whichparticles has a size of 10 nanometre to 100 micron.
 40. The complexaccording to claim 35, wherein the protein in the composition beforeheating is undenaturated or partly denaturated protein.
 41. The complexaccording to claim 40, wherein the protein is a protein that freezedenaturate.
 42. The complex according to claim 35, wherein the proteinis undenaturated.
 43. The complex according to claim 35, wherein theprotein is a vegetable protein.
 44. The complex according to claim 35,wherein the vegetable protein is selected from the group consisting ofpea protein, soy protein and potato protein and mixtures thereof. 45.The complex according to claim 35, wherein the vegetable protein ispotato protein.
 46. The complex according to claim 35, wherein theemulsifier is ionic or non-ionic.
 47. The complex according to claim 35,wherein the emulsifier is non-ionic.
 48. The complex according to claim35, wherein the emulsifier is selected from mono- and/or di-glyceride(s)of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid(s) and mixtures thereof.
 49. Thecomplex according to claim 35, wherein the weight ratio of theemulsifier to protein is between 10 and 0.01.
 50. A whipped productcomprising the complex as defined in claim
 35. 51. The whipped productaccording to claim 50, wherein: the whipped product comprises a whippingagent, and the whipping agent comprises an emulsifier and a protein.